Christ the Redeemer

Take a train ride through the Tijuca Rainforest to see Christ the Redeemer. The 125-foot statue of Jesus sits atop Corcovado, a granite peak located in central Rio de Janeiro.9601280

Take a train ride through the Tijuca Rainforest to see Christ the Redeemer. The 125-foot statue of Jesus sits atop Corcovado, a granite peak located in central Rio de Janeiro.

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Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach

This famous beach is located in Ipanema, Rio’s upscale neighborhood with dozens of world-class restaurants, shops and cafes. Made famous by the catchy tune “The Girl from Ipanema,” Ipanema is also the site for nonstop waterfront action. Beachgoers stay active playing soccer, volleyball and footvolley, a local sport that is a combination of volleyball and soccer.9601280

This famous beach is located in Ipanema, Rio’s upscale neighborhood with dozens of world-class restaurants, shops and cafes. Made famous by the catchy tune “The Girl from Ipanema,” Ipanema is also the site for nonstop waterfront action. Beachgoers stay active playing soccer, volleyball and footvolley, a local sport that is a combination of volleyball and soccer.

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Pedra Bonita

Pedra Bonita

Take a hike up Pedra Bonita, aka Beautiful Rock. From the top of the deforested mountain, tourists can get a beautiful and closer view of Pedra da Gavea, another seaside mountain, and enjoy the best views of Rio de Janeiro.9601280

Take a hike up Pedra Bonita, aka Beautiful Rock. From the top of the deforested mountain, tourists can get a beautiful and closer view of Pedra da Gavea, another seaside mountain, and enjoy the best views of Rio de Janeiro.

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Paragliding over Pedra Bonita

Paragliding over Pedra Bonita

Enjoy the sights of Rio from above. Go paragliding over Pedra Bonita, a hidden gem towering over the forests of Tijuca National Park. Thrill seekers can take the plunge at the paragliding station just 1,700 feet above Rio's Zona Sul, or South Zone. For those with weaker stomachs, a platform is located under the wooden runway to watch adrenaline junkies take off.9601280

Enjoy the sights of Rio from above. Go paragliding over Pedra Bonita, a hidden gem towering over the forests of Tijuca National Park. Thrill seekers can take the plunge at the paragliding station just 1,700 feet above Rio's Zona Sul, or South Zone. For those with weaker stomachs, a platform is located under the wooden runway to watch adrenaline junkies take off.

Edmar Moreira

Cable-Car Ride

Cable-Car Ride

Add this to your must-do list when visiting Rio: Take a cable-car ride for a spectacular view of Copacabana Beach. Each glass-walled cable car can hold 65 passengers and runs between the peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca’s Mountain every 20 minutes.9601280

Add this to your must-do list when visiting Rio: Take a cable-car ride for a spectacular view of Copacabana Beach. Each glass-walled cable car can hold 65 passengers and runs between the peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca’s Mountain every 20 minutes.

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Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

Rising 1,299 feet above Rio’s harbor and the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain is a popular destination for rock climbers. Sugarloaf -- together with Babylon Mountain and Ucra’s Mountain -- forms one of the largest urban climbing areas in the world, with more than 270 routes.9601280

Rising 1,299 feet above Rio’s harbor and the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain is a popular destination for rock climbers. Sugarloaf -- together with Babylon Mountain and Ucra’s Mountain -- forms one of the largest urban climbing areas in the world, with more than 270 routes.

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Museu Nacional

Museu Nacional

Once the home of Brazil’s royal family, Museu Nacional is now home to a collection of items acquired by the Emperor Pedro II and Empress Teresa. The collection includes aboriginal tribes’ costumes, weapons and masks, as well as unique artifacts like a saber-toothed tiger skull.9601280

Once the home of Brazil’s royal family, Museu Nacional is now home to a collection of items acquired by the Emperor Pedro II and Empress Teresa. The collection includes aboriginal tribes’ costumes, weapons and masks, as well as unique artifacts like a saber-toothed tiger skull.

Paulo R C M Jr, Wikimedia Commons

Jardim Zoologico

Jardim Zoologico

No time to get to the Amazon? Make a trip to the Rio City Zoo, where you’ll find approximately 3,000 reptiles, birds and mammals -- most of them indigenous to Brazil and particularly the Amazon. It’s the perfect place for a family trip to see tigers, elephants, lions, gorillas, chimps and more than 2,000 exotic plant species.9601280

No time to get to the Amazon? Make a trip to the Rio City Zoo, where you’ll find approximately 3,000 reptiles, birds and mammals -- most of them indigenous to Brazil and particularly the Amazon. It’s the perfect place for a family trip to see tigers, elephants, lions, gorillas, chimps and more than 2,000 exotic plant species.

Bruno Mello Teixeira, flickr

Leblon Beach

Leblon Beach

Visit Leblon, Rio’s most affluent neighborhood. Located next to Ipanema, Leblon is also the name of the local beach, which has a reputation for being quieter and more relaxing than the hip and trendy beach in Ipanema.9601280

Visit Leblon, Rio’s most affluent neighborhood. Located next to Ipanema, Leblon is also the name of the local beach, which has a reputation for being quieter and more relaxing than the hip and trendy beach in Ipanema.

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Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a lagoon and district surrounded by Rio’s residential areas of Ipanema, Leblon, Gavea, Jardim Botanico, Copacabana, Botafogo and Humaita. During the Christmas season, tourists flock to the area to see the gigantic Christmas tree found on a floating platform that moves around the lagoon. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas will host canoe sprint and rowing events for the 2016 Summer Olympics and rowing events for the 2016 Summer Paralympics.9601280

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a lagoon and district surrounded by Rio’s residential areas of Ipanema, Leblon, Gavea, Jardim Botanico, Copacabana, Botafogo and Humaita. During the Christmas season, tourists flock to the area to see the gigantic Christmas tree found on a floating platform that moves around the lagoon. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas will host canoe sprint and rowing events for the 2016 Summer Olympics and rowing events for the 2016 Summer Paralympics.

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Maracana Stadium

Maracana Stadium

While you’re in Rio, check out a soccer game and watch the local teams from Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama sports clubs play at Maracana Stadium, partially rebuilt for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2014 World Cup, 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2016 Summer Paralympics.9601280

While you’re in Rio, check out a soccer game and watch the local teams from Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama sports clubs play at Maracana Stadium, partially rebuilt for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2014 World Cup, 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2016 Summer Paralympics.

Reuters

Paqueta Island

Paqueta Island

Take a step back in time. Locals and tourists can only get around Paqueta Island by bicycle and horse-drawn carriage. The island is an auto-free zone. We recommend visiting Paqueta Island in June for the Saint Peter Festival and in August for the Saint Roque Festival.9601280

Take a step back in time. Locals and tourists can only get around Paqueta Island by bicycle and horse-drawn carriage. The island is an auto-free zone. We recommend visiting Paqueta Island in June for the Saint Peter Festival and in August for the Saint Roque Festival.

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Chafariz do Mestre Valentim

Chafariz do Mestre Valentim

Chafariz do Mestre Valentim is an ornate fountain that marks Rio’s former coastline. Mestre Valentim Creole Portuguese Brazilian who became one of the most important names in Brazilian colonial art.9601280

Chafariz do Mestre Valentim is an ornate fountain that marks Rio’s former coastline. Mestre Valentim Creole Portuguese Brazilian who became one of the most important names in Brazilian colonial art.

Carlos Luis M C da Cruz, Wikimedia Commons

Parque do Catete

Parque do Catete

Explore the Parque do Catete, a quiet refuge from the city. The park’s pond and shade-covered walkways are popular with neighborhood strollers and children. It also plays host to special performances, including plays and concerts.9601280

Explore the Parque do Catete, a quiet refuge from the city. The park’s pond and shade-covered walkways are popular with neighborhood strollers and children. It also plays host to special performances, including plays and concerts.

Lauren Steely

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Amazon Rainforest

Explore the Amazon rainforest, or Amazonia, and its indigenous plant life, including the water plant Victoria regia (pictured). This dense, lush forest covers more than 2 million square miles of South America’s Amazon basin. The majority of the forest is contained within Brazil, followed by Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. The jungle represents more than half of the planet’s remaining rainforest, making it the largest and most diverse rainforest in the world.9601280

Explore the Amazon rainforest, or Amazonia, and its indigenous plant life, including the water plant Victoria regia (pictured). This dense, lush forest covers more than 2 million square miles of South America’s Amazon basin. The majority of the forest is contained within Brazil, followed by Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. The jungle represents more than half of the planet’s remaining rainforest, making it the largest and most diverse rainforest in the world.

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Amazon River

Amazon River

Plan a mind-blowing excursion down the 4,000-mile-long Amazon River -- the largest river in South America, and the largest drainage system in the world. Although the length of this river is equivalent to the distance from NYC to Rome, there is much debate as to whether the Amazon is longer than the Nile River in Egypt. The Amazon River’s source comes high within the Andes Mountains, near the Pacific Ocean, and its mouth is in the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern coast of Brazil.9601280

Plan a mind-blowing excursion down the 4,000-mile-long Amazon River -- the largest river in South America, and the largest drainage system in the world. Although the length of this river is equivalent to the distance from NYC to Rome, there is much debate as to whether the Amazon is longer than the Nile River in Egypt. The Amazon River’s source comes high within the Andes Mountains, near the Pacific Ocean, and its mouth is in the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern coast of Brazil.

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Negro River

Negro River

Adventurous travelers can take a cruise along the Negro River from Manaus, Brazil, to experience the Amazon Rainforest and to explore the January Ecological Park. Some cruise lines offer unique excursions, including a hike through the jungle, alligator spotting, fishing, tree climbing, snorkeling, parasailing and educational excursions to learn more about the indigenous people that live along the river.9601280

Adventurous travelers can take a cruise along the Negro River from Manaus, Brazil, to experience the Amazon Rainforest and to explore the January Ecological Park. Some cruise lines offer unique excursions, including a hike through the jungle, alligator spotting, fishing, tree climbing, snorkeling, parasailing and educational excursions to learn more about the indigenous people that live along the river.

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Ariau Amazon Towers

Ariau Amazon Towers

Stay at the Ariau Amazon Towers, a hotel built high in the treetops with canopy walkways 70 feet in the air. During your stay, enjoy the fauna and wildlife like the friendly monkeys, macaws, sloths and parrots. This exclusive hotel made Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the “25 Extraordinary Places Worth That Extra Mile.” We agree. For the perfect honeymoon hideaway, we recommend the honeymoon suite, built 110 feet up a mahogany tree.9601280

Stay at the Ariau Amazon Towers, a hotel built high in the treetops with canopy walkways 70 feet in the air. During your stay, enjoy the fauna and wildlife like the friendly monkeys, macaws, sloths and parrots. This exclusive hotel made Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the “25 Extraordinary Places Worth That Extra Mile.” We agree. For the perfect honeymoon hideaway, we recommend the honeymoon suite, built 110 feet up a mahogany tree.

Jorge Andrade, flickr

IBEROSTAR Grand Amazon

IBEROSTAR Grand Amazon

If a treetop hotel isn’t your thing, try the IBEROSTAR Grand Amazon. Guests can check into this floating luxury hotel -- featuring 73 cabins, each with private balcony -- for a 3-night stay along the Solimões River that includes a visit to a local village, bird-watching around the Igarapés and piranha fishing. For the 4-night stay, guests tour the Negro River and take a motorboat safari to the Anavilhanas Islands. Make the most out of your trip and combine the 2 options for a 7-night stay.9601280

If a treetop hotel isn’t your thing, try the IBEROSTAR Grand Amazon. Guests can check into this floating luxury hotel -- featuring 73 cabins, each with private balcony -- for a 3-night stay along the Solimões River that includes a visit to a local village, bird-watching around the Igarapés and piranha fishing. For the 4-night stay, guests tour the Negro River and take a motorboat safari to the Anavilhanas Islands. Make the most out of your trip and combine the 2 options for a 7-night stay.

Jorge Andrade, flickr

Indigenous Nations Games

Indigenous Nations Games

While you are visiting the Amazon, you may be lucky enough to immerse yourself in a unique cultural event like the Indigenous Nations Games of Para in Altamira. Indigenous people from 38 ethnic groups participate in the Games in which athletes compete in disciplines like spear throwing, canoeing and swimming. In the photo, a member of Brazil's Kayapo tribe prepares to compete in the bow and arrow competition.9601280

While you are visiting the Amazon, you may be lucky enough to immerse yourself in a unique cultural event like the Indigenous Nations Games of Para in Altamira. Indigenous people from 38 ethnic groups participate in the Games in which athletes compete in disciplines like spear throwing, canoeing and swimming. In the photo, a member of Brazil's Kayapo tribe prepares to compete in the bow and arrow competition.

Reuters

Kayaking in the Amazon

Kayaking in the Amazon

Take an Amazon kayaking tour on the Urubu and Jatapu rivers. Manaus is surrounded by the Amazon Negro rivers, but some companies do not offer kayaking tours on these rivers because they are miles wide and can be dangerous for kayakers during rainy and stormy weather.9601280

Take an Amazon kayaking tour on the Urubu and Jatapu rivers. Manaus is surrounded by the Amazon Negro rivers, but some companies do not offer kayaking tours on these rivers because they are miles wide and can be dangerous for kayakers during rainy and stormy weather.

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Boi-Bumba Folkloric Festival

Boi-Bumba Folkloric Festival

Plan a fun trip to witness the Festival do Boi-Bumba or the Parintins Folklore Festival in June. This festival is the 2nd largest annual festival in Brazil -- only Rio’s Carnival draws more participants. Held in Parintins, Amazonas, this 3-day festival celebrates a local legend about a resurrected ox, and 2 teams -- Garantido and Caprichoso -- must compete to retell the story in 2.5 hours. The teams try to outdo one another using flamboyant dances, singing and parade floats in the Bumbodromo -- a stage that holds about 35,000 spectators.9601280

Plan a fun trip to witness the Festival do Boi-Bumba or the Parintins Folklore Festival in June. This festival is the 2nd largest annual festival in Brazil -- only Rio’s Carnival draws more participants. Held in Parintins, Amazonas, this 3-day festival celebrates a local legend about a resurrected ox, and 2 teams -- Garantido and Caprichoso -- must compete to retell the story in 2.5 hours. The teams try to outdo one another using flamboyant dances, singing and parade floats in the Bumbodromo -- a stage that holds about 35,000 spectators.

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Uakari Mamirauá Reserve Lodge

Uakari Mamirauá Reserve Lodge

Located in Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, the Uacari Floating Lodge is a rustic, eco-tourism getaway to observe the Amazon’s wildlife. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Natural Heritage of Humanity, this floating lodge has 5 bungalows with 2 rooms, 2 bathrooms and a porch with a view of the river and forest. The central floating area has a natural swimming pool, kitchen, restaurant, bar, video room and library. What makes this lodge unique is that it generates income for the reserve’s 8 local communities and preserves the natural community.9601280

Located in Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, the Uacari Floating Lodge is a rustic, eco-tourism getaway to observe the Amazon’s wildlife. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Natural Heritage of Humanity, this floating lodge has 5 bungalows with 2 rooms, 2 bathrooms and a porch with a view of the river and forest. The central floating area has a natural swimming pool, kitchen, restaurant, bar, video room and library. What makes this lodge unique is that it generates income for the reserve’s 8 local communities and preserves the natural community.

Gabriel Britto, flickr

Zip Lining in the Amazon

Zip Lining in the Amazon

Get an amazing view of Brazil and the Amazon’s canyons, rivers, waterfalls and more, by taking canopy tour. Rafting, hiking, cycling, snorkeling and surfing are few examples of how you can keep your adrenaline pumping when visiting the area.9601280

Get an amazing view of Brazil and the Amazon’s canyons, rivers, waterfalls and more, by taking canopy tour. Rafting, hiking, cycling, snorkeling and surfing are few examples of how you can keep your adrenaline pumping when visiting the area.

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Ver-o-Peso Market

Ver-o-Peso Market

Go shopping at the Ver-o-peso Market in Belem, Brazil. Locals and tourists visit this market to pick up fresh fish, handcrafts, natural essence perfumes, and native vegetables and fruits. Clock Tower Square, Solar da Beira, Feliz Lusitania and the Açaí Fair are a few places to visit and things to do when visiting this popular market.9601280

Go shopping at the Ver-o-peso Market in Belem, Brazil. Locals and tourists visit this market to pick up fresh fish, handcrafts, natural essence perfumes, and native vegetables and fruits. Clock Tower Square, Solar da Beira, Feliz Lusitania and the Açaí Fair are a few places to visit and things to do when visiting this popular market.

M.Maselli, flickr

Amazonas Theatre

Amazonas Theatre

For travelers looking for an alternative to “roughing it” in the Amazon -- visit the Amazonas Theater in Manaus. This theater is home to the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra, which regularly rehearses and performs here. Music concerts and other popular performances are held here.9601280

For travelers looking for an alternative to “roughing it” in the Amazon -- visit the Amazonas Theater in Manaus. This theater is home to the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra, which regularly rehearses and performs here. Music concerts and other popular performances are held here.

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Amazonas Opera Festival

Amazonas Opera Festival

From March until May, the Amazonas Theater also hosts an annual Amazonas Opera Festival. The Amazonas Philharmonic is the official orchestra of the Festival. This photo shows a scene from the 2008 world premiere performance of the opera Ca Ira, composed by former Pink Floyd vocalist Roger Waters and performed by an all-Brazilian cast.9601280

From March until May, the Amazonas Theater also hosts an annual Amazonas Opera Festival. The Amazonas Philharmonic is the official orchestra of the Festival. This photo shows a scene from the 2008 world premiere performance of the opera Ca Ira, composed by former Pink Floyd vocalist Roger Waters and performed by an all-Brazilian cast.

Barrier Reef, Belize

Belize’s most popular tourist attraction is its 190-mile series of coral reefs. The Belize Barrier Reef is a hot destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, attracting half of its 260,000 visitors each year.9601280

Belize’s most popular tourist attraction is its 190-mile series of coral reefs. The Belize Barrier Reef is a hot destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, attracting half of its 260,000 visitors each year.

The Asahi Shimbun / Getty Images

Roatan Island, Honduras

Roatan Island, Honduras

Located between the islands of Utila and Guanaja, 37-mile-long Roatan Island is surrounded by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. It’s a great destination for snorkelers and divers who can experience face-to-face encounters with marine life, including sea turtles and eagle rays. We recommend spending an hour or 2 walking along the beautiful beach near Turquoise Bay.9601280

Located between the islands of Utila and Guanaja, 37-mile-long Roatan Island is surrounded by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. It’s a great destination for snorkelers and divers who can experience face-to-face encounters with marine life, including sea turtles and eagle rays. We recommend spending an hour or 2 walking along the beautiful beach near Turquoise Bay.

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Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Hike a path that leads to impressive lava flows from the still simmering but young Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Since October 2010, Arenal’s volcanic activity has been decreasing and explosions have become rare. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and take a fun road trip around Lake Arenal located nearby.9601280

Hike a path that leads to impressive lava flows from the still simmering but young Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Since October 2010, Arenal’s volcanic activity has been decreasing and explosions have become rare. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and take a fun road trip around Lake Arenal located nearby.

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Cangrejal River, Honduras

Cangrejal River, Honduras

Feeling adventurous? Experience the rapids of the Cangrejal River, one of the best places in Central America to go white-water rafting. Experienced rafters can brave the river’s challenging class IV and V rapids.9601280

Feeling adventurous? Experience the rapids of the Cangrejal River, one of the best places in Central America to go white-water rafting. Experienced rafters can brave the river’s challenging class IV and V rapids.

Andrew Baskett, flickr

Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua

Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua

The Concepcion and Maderas volcanoes form Isla de Ometepe, a jungle island that’s home to 35,000 people, countless birdlife, cattle and howler monkeys. The island is sacred ground. Archeology buffs will enjoy spotting rocks carved into figures and pre-Columbian petroglyphs found all around the island, including its lush tropical forest.9601280

The Concepcion and Maderas volcanoes form Isla de Ometepe, a jungle island that’s home to 35,000 people, countless birdlife, cattle and howler monkeys. The island is sacred ground. Archeology buffs will enjoy spotting rocks carved into figures and pre-Columbian petroglyphs found all around the island, including its lush tropical forest.

Eric Molina, flickr

Panama Canal, Panama

Panama Canal, Panama

Visit the site in Panama City where the Atlantic Ocean intersects with the Pacific Ocean. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects, the 48-mile Panama Canal was built as a safe shortcut instead of taking the Cape Horn route around the southernmost tip of South America. 9601280

Visit the site in Panama City where the Atlantic Ocean intersects with the Pacific Ocean. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects, the 48-mile Panama Canal was built as a safe shortcut instead of taking the Cape Horn route around the southernmost tip of South America.

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Granada, Nicaragua

Granada, Nicaragua

The Iglesia de La Merced stands high above Granada’s multicolored one-story cottages and townhouses. We recommend taking a stroll along the town’s cobblestone streets to see the opulence and history of the old Spanish Empire.9601280

The Iglesia de La Merced stands high above Granada’s multicolored one-story cottages and townhouses. We recommend taking a stroll along the town’s cobblestone streets to see the opulence and history of the old Spanish Empire.

nakashi, Wikimedia Commons

Costa del Sol, El Salvador

Costa del Sol, El Salvador

Sample fresh seafood at a restaurant while witnessing an amazing sunset in Costa del Sol, El Salvador. It’s the largest beach in the country and there several activities to keep beachgoers active, including sailing, horseback riding, jogging and playing a couple rounds of beach volleyball.9601280

Sample fresh seafood at a restaurant while witnessing an amazing sunset in Costa del Sol, El Salvador. It’s the largest beach in the country and there several activities to keep beachgoers active, including sailing, horseback riding, jogging and playing a couple rounds of beach volleyball.

Andrew Griffith, flickr

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Travelers visiting the islands in the western Caribbean should not miss Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. Go kite surfing in Caye Caulker, snorkeling in Shark Ray Alley, bird-watching at Lalas Bird Sanctuary and golfing at Caye Chapel Golf Resort & Marina. End the day by sitting on the pier while the waves lap at your toes.9601280

Travelers visiting the islands in the western Caribbean should not miss Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. Go kite surfing in Caye Caulker, snorkeling in Shark Ray Alley, bird-watching at Lalas Bird Sanctuary and golfing at Caye Chapel Golf Resort & Marina. End the day by sitting on the pier while the waves lap at your toes.

Thinkstock

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Once a funky beach town, Tamarindo is now a prime spot for commercial development, including a variety of shops, bars and hotels. Most tourists and locals flock to the town’s beaches. We recommend heading to Playa Langosta or Playa Grande for swimming and surfing. Other outdoor options include diving, sports fishing, wildlife watching and canopy tours.9601280

Once a funky beach town, Tamarindo is now a prime spot for commercial development, including a variety of shops, bars and hotels. Most tourists and locals flock to the town’s beaches. We recommend heading to Playa Langosta or Playa Grande for swimming and surfing. Other outdoor options include diving, sports fishing, wildlife watching and canopy tours.

Tamarindowiki, Wikimedia Commons

Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Guatemala’s Dulce River flows out of Lake Izabal and is a popular destination for sailboats. Surrounded by a lush forest, the entrance to the river is the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, a Spanish fort once built to stop pirates from entering the lake from the Caribbean when this part of Guatemala was an important shipping port.9601280

Guatemala’s Dulce River flows out of Lake Izabal and is a popular destination for sailboats. Surrounded by a lush forest, the entrance to the river is the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, a Spanish fort once built to stop pirates from entering the lake from the Caribbean when this part of Guatemala was an important shipping port.

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Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua, Guatemala

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua has several ruins of colonial churches as well as well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. Visit Cerro de la Cruz for the best view of the city or mingle with the locals around the newly reconstructed water fountain located in the city’s Parque Central (Central Park).9601280

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua has several ruins of colonial churches as well as well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. Visit Cerro de la Cruz for the best view of the city or mingle with the locals around the newly reconstructed water fountain located in the city’s Parque Central (Central Park).

Thinkstock

La Libertad, El Salvador

La Libertad, El Salvador

Experience the gritty vitality of La Libertad, El Salvador. The small port town has a steady flow of tourists because it is known as the country’s surf capital, hosting regional and international surfing championships. The town has a serious drug problem and in some cases, foreigners are easy targets for theft and assaults. So keep your guard up and travel in numbers when possible.9601280

Experience the gritty vitality of La Libertad, El Salvador. The small port town has a steady flow of tourists because it is known as the country’s surf capital, hosting regional and international surfing championships. The town has a serious drug problem and in some cases, foreigners are easy targets for theft and assaults. So keep your guard up and travel in numbers when possible.

Susana Soto, flickr

Panama City, Panama

Panama City, Panama

With a blend of old Baroque architecture and modern skyscrapers, Panama City’s landscape tells a tale of 2 cities. The city’s Casco Viejo neighborhood is steeped in rich colonial history whereas the city’s Punta Paitilla neighborhood is thriving with office towers, banks, hotels, restaurants and shops. We recommend visiting Playa Kobbe, a beach less than 20 minutes from downtown, and taking a stroll through Parque Natural Metropolitano to see more than 200 species of birds.9601280

With a blend of old Baroque architecture and modern skyscrapers, Panama City’s landscape tells a tale of 2 cities. The city’s Casco Viejo neighborhood is steeped in rich colonial history whereas the city’s Punta Paitilla neighborhood is thriving with office towers, banks, hotels, restaurants and shops. We recommend visiting Playa Kobbe, a beach less than 20 minutes from downtown, and taking a stroll through Parque Natural Metropolitano to see more than 200 species of birds.